Booking a $200 per person cruise is not as hard as you think. Short cruises, such as 3–4 nights to Caribbean islands or destinations like Mexico (e.g., from Los Angeles to Ensenada), often slip below $300 with promotions and return customer offers.
So while $200 is on the very low end, it’s not impossible—especially if you’re flexible on dates, itinerary, and cabin type. You can get started with Expedia’s Cruise Planner.
Want to know what these cruises are like? Check out Roseland Lashay’s video “We Took a $200 Carnival Cruise for Mother’s Day… Was It Worth It?”
Most of these cruises are an amazing value for the money.
Here are tried-and-true ways for you to lock in the best offers for cruises and get the most bang for your buck.
Be Flexible with Dates & Timing
Shoulder seasons—like spring or fall—often have significantly lower prices due to fewer travelers. Last-minute bookings (within ~90 days) may yield great discounts as cruise lines try to fill empty cabins.
Leverage Repositioning Cruises
One-way repositioning voyages can be a great bargain—sometimes offering savings of 70–90% on longer itineraries.
Compare Total Value—not Just Price
Look for deals that include perks like free drinks, internet, or excursions—sometimes those are more valuable than a slightly cheaper fare. Cruise lines often run deals less than $100 per person per day, making them accessible options for more valuable experiences.
Combine multiple strategies (price alerts, early booking, loyalty perks) to edge toward that $200 goal.